Trident Arms POF P-308 Rifle Review

I chose the 20Ē barrel to maximize my long range capabilities. This is one of my favorite rifles to shoot in the 7.62mm (.308) caliber. This is a piston system as opposed to a gas impingement. The piston system helps dissipate the heat and minimizes the fouling and maintenance. I have several other POFís and believe they are revolutionary in their piston design and in my opinion are one the most reliable ARís in the market.

The P308 operating system components consist of hard chromed gas piston, op rod, and a regulated NM3 coated gas plug that can all be easily disassembled for maintenance. The upper and the rail are both billet machined from a solid block of T6 aircraft aluminum alloy. This model came with a 12Ē rail system. It has a huge solid heat sink barrel nut that dissipates the heat 5 times faster that steel. The barrel is a chrome-moly vanadium (machine gun rated) ď5RĒ 1x10 twist hand-lapped button rifled barrel from Rock Creek that has been contoured, fluted and nitrate heat treated. It came with a nice Bolt & Carrier. The carrier is nickel teflon plated 8620 integral keyed steel that is billet machined, heat treated/plated per Mil-Spec. The roller cam pin is NP3. All-in-all, it's a really nice set-up.

This gun required very few modifications. One of the greatest advantages of the AR platform is the ability to highly customize it to the individual shooter and their needs.

The P308 comes from the factory with an ambidextrous bolt release and a Tactical Integrated Trigger System 4.5 lb. non-adjustable single stage competition trigger group, ERGO grip and KNS anti-walk pins.

Gemtech Quicksand Suppressor

It included a 6 position collapsible Vltor EMOD Clubfoot Stock. While this is a great stock, it didnít meet the look and feel that I was looking for, so I installed a Magpul PRS stock with an Accu-shot Monopod and a GG&G Extreme Duty Swivel Bipod. This makes for a very stable platform and is worth the additional weight of the PRS stock.

For my optics, I installed a pair of Troy Industries BUIS Folding Battle Sighs for my back-up sights, and then added a Leupold Mark 4 2.5-8x36 MR/T M1 illuminated TMR tactical scope (1/2 MOA) w/DNZ Freedom Reaper 30mm Mounts and Butler Creek Flip-Open Covers. After adding a couple of ladder rails on it, it was ready to shoot. After shooting it a few times, I came to the realization that I would never end up using my back-up sights and pulled them off to use on another rifle. At close to $200, this was a good financial decision.

I broke in the barrel and zeroed the rifle at my local indoor range and then conducted my initial tests at a friendís private outdoor range using Hornady 168gr BTHP match ammo. I started out with 5 round increments every 50 yards out to 500 yards. We were shooting at 6" steel disks and a bonus 4" Mango staged at the 400 yard line. The rifle had no difficulty reaching the 500 yard disk repeatedly. It performed flawlessly and accurately with no malfunctions and typical recoil for this type of rifle. It had minimal fouling making the cleaning process a real breeze. In summary, this is an accurate and dependable rifle and is extremely fun to shoot.

I conducted some additional tests with a Gemtech Quicksand suppressor installed. The rifle really performed well and loved the suppressor. As anticipated, I noticed some additional fouling and gas bleeding through the upper at the charging handle. I'll install a PRI Gas Buster charging handle to resolve this issue. In the near future, I'll be conducting a series of suppressor tests with a sound meter and some video.

It also comes with an awesome Triple Port Muzzle Break, however since I am using a Gemtech Quicksand Titanium Suppressor I removed the factory muzzle break and installed a Gemtech Quickmount Adaptor to keep it interchangeable with my other rifles.

This suppressor can be installed or removed by simply pressing down on it and twisting. A definite advantage when it's hot.